The stage is now set for the first College Football Playoff, and it is going to be fantastic. Unfortunately, somebody had to be left out of the big party, and this year the Big 12 saw not one but two worthy candidates be shutout of the playoff.

There is no disputing which game deserves the Heisman spotlight game this week. Notre Dame and Florida State will offer the biggest stage for a pair of Heisman Trophy candidates, Everett Golson of Notre Dame and the reigning Heisman Trophy winner from Florida State, Jameis Winston.

Until Notre Dame proves it can beat one of the elite programs in college football on a grand stage, the overall assessment of Notre Dame will be that it is good, but not good enough. But this season appears to be up for grabs with plenty of surprises still to come. Can Notre Dame offer one more surprise?